Lamp /(lămp)/

Lamp

n.
  1. A thin plate or lamina. [Obs.]

Lamp

n.
  1. A light-producing vessel, instrument, or apparatus;
  2. Figuratively, anything which enlightens intellectually or morally; anything regarded metaphorically a performing the uses of a lamp.
    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
    — Ps. cxix. 105.
    Ages elapsed ere Homer's lamp appeared.
  3. A device or mechanism for producing light by electricity. See Incandescent lamp, under Incandescent. (Elec.)
  4. A device that emits radiant energy in the form of heat, infrared, or ultraviolet rays; as, a heat lamp.

Phrases & Compounds

Aeolipile lamp
a hollow ball of copper containing alcohol which is converted into vapor by a lamp beneath, so as to make a powerful blowpipe flame when the vapor is ignited.
Arc lamp
a form of lamp in which the voltaic arc is used as the source of light.
Dëbereiner's lamp
an apparatus for the instantaneous production of a flame by the spontaneous ignition of a jet of hydrogen on being led over platinum sponge; -- named after the German chemist Döbereiner, who invented it. Called also philosopher's lamp.
Flameless lamp
an aphlogistic lamp.
Lamp burner
the part of a lamp where the wick is exposed and ignited.
Lamp fount
a reservoir for oil, in a lamp.
Lamp jack
See 2d Jack, n., 4 (l) & (n).
Lamp shade
a screen, as of paper, glass, or tin, for softening or obstructing the light of a lamp.
Lamp shell
any brachiopod shell of the genus Terebratula and allied genera. The name refers to the shape, which is like that of an antique lamp. See Terebratula.
Safety lamp
a miner's lamp in which the flame is surrounded by fine wire gauze, preventing the kindling of dangerous explosive gases; -- called also, from Sir Humphry Davy the inventor, Davy lamp.
To smell of the lamp
to bear marks of great study and labor, as a literary composition.